NEWTOWN, PA — Helius Medical Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:HSDT) has announced promising preliminary findings from its PoNSTEP study, which evaluates the impact of adherence to the Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS®) Therapy on improving gait deficits in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The study’s treatment phase has concluded, with a follow-up phase set to wrap up by year-end and full results expected in early 2025.
The PoNSTEP study underscores the vital role of therapy adherence in achieving meaningful improvements. Chief Medical Officer Dr. Antonella Favit-Van Pelt stated, “The PoNSTEP study provides compelling evidence on how adherence can significantly determine how much functional improvement any patient can achieve.” The study revealed substantial improvements in the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) scores, particularly among those who adhered closely to the therapy regimen.
In the study, 43 subjects participated, with 38 completing the 14-week treatment program. Findings showed that increased adherence during the unsupervised at-home treatment phase led to significant DGI score improvements. Notably, participants who maintained therapy adherence above 70% experienced a substantial mean improvement in their gait performance.
Dr. Salvatore Napoli, Medical Director at the Neurology Center of New England, highlighted the significance of the at-home rehabilitation component, saying, “This data is expected to confirm the importance of the at-home rehabilitation part of PoNS Therapy in achieving optimal gait deficit improvement results.” The study demonstrated that consistent use of PoNS Therapy could lead to clinically meaningful enhancements, with many participants achieving notable gains in gait function.
The preliminary results of the PoNSTEP study confirm the therapeutic benefits of PoNS Therapy for individuals with MS, reinforcing the importance of regular and consistent use of the therapy. The findings also emphasize the potential of neuromodulation to facilitate neural changes necessary for functional rehabilitation of gait and balance. As the study progresses, Helius Medical Technologies anticipates further validation of these promising outcomes.
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